Latest news with #DalinTzuChiHospital
The Star
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
SMCV signs MoU with Taiwanese hospital to advance cross-border healthcare
Its partnership with Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital aims to enhance expertise exchange, research collaboration and access to healthcare services between the two countries KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) and Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital (DTCH), a Taiwanese non-profit institution under the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 24 to formalise a cross-border partnership, in recognition of their shared commitment to advancing healthcare excellence. The MoU was formalised at SMCV and attended by Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) hospital and healthcare operations managing director Dr Khoo Chow Huat, SMCV chief executive officer Susan Cheow, chief operating officer Tee Siew Ching, medical director and consultant emergency physician Dr Wee Tong Ming and SHG healthcare management office corporate responsibility and sustainability head Tracia Lee Chooi Hsia. Also present were representatives from key medical specialties, including consultant neurosurgeon Dr Mah Jon Kooi; consultant orthopaedic, trauma and spine surgeon Dr Chang Kok Chun; consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist and internal medicine physician Dr Tee Teong Jin; along with other SMCV consultants and members of the management team. Representing DTCH were neurosurgeon and vice superintendent Dr Chen Jin-Cherng, orthopaedic surgeon and director of spine surgery Dr Yang Chang-Chen, colorectal surgeon and director of colon and rectal surgery Dr Hsu Ta-Wen; strategy and planning director at the hospital's International Medical Centre Dr Harriet Shen Szu-Ching, the International Medical Centre manager Chen Tzu-Ying and representatives from the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia. Strengthening clinical competency through exchange initiatives Through this agreement, both institutions will jointly implement clinical exchange initiatives, which are designed to strengthen clinical competency, standardise best medical practices, and support continuous education for healthcare professionals across both institutions. DTCH's medical expertise spans several advanced specialties, including digestive health, orthopaedic, and minimally invasive surgeries for spinal and colorectal conditions. These knowledge-sharing opportunities will allow SMCV and DTCH to enhance patient care services, treatment outcomes and introduce innovative techniques that will benefit many patients across the region. Advancing medical research and innovation This partnership will also facilitate collaborative research efforts between SMCV and DTCH, enabling joint multicentre clinical trials and co-publishing of international research. Both institutions aim to advance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment protocols through expertise and knowledge exchange, clinical insights and medical findings. These efforts will not only contribute to global medical knowledge but also lay the groundwork for future medical advancements. Improving patient access to specialised care In line with its patient-centred approach, the MoU also introduces a bilateral patient referral agreement for complex cases, continuity of care and preventive medicine services. 'This agreement enables both institutions to tap into each other's strengths and provide timely, coordinated care for patients with specialised needs,' said Dr Wee. 'With streamlined emergency transfer protocols and cross-institutional expertise, we can ensure patients benefit from seamless care delivery and improved health outcomes.' A shared commitment to sustainability With environmental stewardship at the core of both institutions, the MoU establishes a framework for mutual benchmarking on green hospital practices and development of ESG-focused key performance indicators. SMCV is the first hospital in Malaysia to commit to the Race to Zero initiative while DTCH has been a pioneer in sustainability, aligning with the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals' 10 goals and implementing impactful interventions in energy, waste, food and transport as part of its Race to Zero by 2050 commitment. Reflecting its dedication to sustainable healthcare, SMCV is continuously working to enhance its environmental impact and advance green hospital management practices. 'It has always been part of Sunway Healthcare Group's approach to drive progress not just among our hospitals, but also through partnerships that help us enhance the quality of care and service delivery,' said Dr Khoo. 'Collaborations like this also support our group-wide sustainability goals and contribute to building a more resilient, responsible healthcare ecosystem.' Echoing this sentiment, Cheow emphasised the broader value of cross-border collaborations, stating: 'This partnership strengthens our cross-border ties and advances our pursuit of global best practices to deliver patient care that meets international standards, with a clear eye toward long-term growth.' Through this partnership, SMCV reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centred care while continuously expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. For enquiries, contact 03-9772 9191 or email smcv-enquiry@ For more information or to learn more about SMCV, visit (Facebook: Sunway Medical Velocity).
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
SMCV, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital Forge Partnership To Enhance Cross-border Healthcare
Managing Director of Hospital and Healthcare Operations at Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG), Dr Khoo Chow Huat shared that it has always been part of SHG's approach to drive progress not just among their hospitals, but also through partnerships that help them enhance the quality of care and service delivery. Through this agreement, SMCV and Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital will jointly implement clinical exchange initiatives, advancing medical research and innovation, improving patient's access to specialised care and having a shared commitment to sustainability. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) and Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital have formalised a cross-border partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), recognising their shared commitment to advancing healthcare excellence. From left: Managing Director of Hospital and Healthcare Operations at Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG), Dr Khoo Chow Huat; Chief Executive Officer of SMCV Susan Cheow,; Neurosurgeon and Vice Superintendent of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Dr Chen Jin-Cherng and Director of Strategy and Planning at the International Medical Centre) Dr Harriet Shen Szu-Ching. KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) and Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, a Taiwanese non-profit institution under the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a cross-border partnership in recognition of their shared commitment to advancing healthcare excellence. The MoU was formalised at a ceremony at SMCV, which was attended by managing director of Hospital and Healthcare Operations at Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) Dr Khoo Chow Huat; chief executive officer of SMCV Susan Cheow; chief operating officer of SMCV Tee Siew Ching; medical director and consultant emergency physician of SMCV Dr Wee Tong Ming; and head of corporate responsibility and sustainability at the Group Healthcare Management Office, SHG Tracia Lee Chooi Hsia. Also present were representatives from key medical specialities, including consultant neurosurgeon Dr Mah Jon Kooi; consultant orthopaedic, trauma and spine surgeon Dr Chang Kok Chun; consultant gastroenterologist, hepatologist and internal medicine physician Dr Tee Teong Jin; along with other SMCV consultants and members of the management team. Representing Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital were neurosurgeon and vice superintendent Dr Chen Jin-Cherng; orthopaedic surgeon and director of spine surgery Dr Yang Chang-Chen; colorectal surgeon and director of colon and rectal surgery Dr Hsu Ta-Wen; director of strategy and planning at the International Medical Centre Dr Harriet Shen Szu-Ching; manager of the International Medical Centre Chen Tzu-Ying; and representatives from Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia. SMCV, in a statement, said that through the agreement, both institutions will jointly implement clinical exchange initiatives designed to strengthen clinical competency, standardise best medical practices and support continuous education for healthcare professionals across both institutions. 'Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital's medical expertise spans several advanced specialities, including digestive health, orthopaedic and minimally invasive surgeries for spinal and colorectal conditions. 'These knowledge-sharing opportunities will allow SMCV and Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital to enhance patient care services, treatment outcomes and introduce innovative techniques that will benefit many patients across the region,' the statement read. At the same time, SMCV said the partnership would also facilitate its collaborative research efforts with Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, enabling joint multicentre clinical trials and co-publishing of international research. It said both institutions aimed to advance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment protocols through expertise and knowledge exchange, clinical insights and medical findings, where these efforts would not only contribute to global medical knowledge but also lay the groundwork for future medical advancements.
Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor issues warning over spicy food after influencer dies of stomach cancer
A doctor has issued a warning about eating too much spicy food after a young woman died of stomach cancer. Chinese content creator Qianqian, 25, died from the disease last month and listed her love of chili as a potential reason for developing the deadly cancer. Talking to local media on what may have triggered her diagnosis, she said: 'I don't like to eat breakfast for a long time. I eat irregularly. I like spicy food.' Qianqian's online title was 'I love crab pot,' referencing her love of a Chinese seafood hot pot dish containing large quantities of dried chilies and Sichuan pepper. Now, Taiwanese oncologist and haematologist Dr Li Sijin said it was possible the influencer's love of spicy food could have increased her cancer risk. She explained excessive consumption of chili peppers could aggravate the stimulation of the gastric mucosa-the innermost lining of the stomach. Dr Li, who works at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, said this irritation could potentially trigger changes in the cells of the stomach which may develop into cancer. She advised that although chilies can form part of a balanced diet, they must be eaten in moderation. However, there is no conclusive evidence that eating spicy food increases the risk of stomach cancer, with studies exploring the topic delivering mixed results. Dr Li added that an irregular eating schedule wouldn't carry the same level of risk to the stomach. Qianqian previously explained that before her diagnosis in 2024 she had been suffering from stomach pains for more than six months. However, she dismissed these potential early warning signs as a consequence of her poor and inconsistent dietary habits. When her cancer was eventually uncovered medics performed a total gastrectomy, where the entire stomach is surgically removed in a bid to save her life. However, the disease was found to have returned just a month later, having spread to other tissues in her body. In her final days she shared a post with her followers: 'Still alive, lingering, vomiting all the time, the tumour in my stomach is getting bigger and bigger, the time I am awake is getting less and less. 'I don't want to pick up my phone, the hospital is very noisy and I'm in a bad mood.' While the evidence that spicy food can contribute to cancer risk is inconclusive some foods are known to increase the chances of developing the disease. Charity, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) cites evidence that people who eat high levels of pickled foods have between a 28 to 56 per cent higher chance of developing stomach cancer compared to those who eat the fewest. People with high salt intake in their diet are also at increased risk of stomach cancer with a 68 per cent higher chance of developing the disease, according to CRUK. While these increases risk sound dramatic the odds that a person will develop stomach cancer is quite low. CRUK estimates that one in every 92 men and one in 170 women in Britain will develop stomach cancer in their lifetime. And there is also some evidence that spicy food can in fact be good for your health. A 2024 study by the British Journal of Nutrition suggested that eating a spicy dish once a week reduced the risk of stroke by 13 percent. Additionally, in 2020, the American Heart Association found people who ate moderate quantities of chili were 26 percent less likely to die from heart disease than those who never eat them. Though it does not mention chili specifically the NHS warns that stomach cancers can be linked to lifestyle factors. The health service advises eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day and cut down on salt and alcohol to reduce the risk of the disease. About 6,500 patients in Britain and 30,000 in the US are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year. The disease kills about 4,000 Britons and 11,000 Americans per annum. If caught in its earliest stages, the majority of stomach cancer patients (65 per cent) will survive a decade after their diagnosis according to charity Cancer Research UK. However, for stage four patients, 10-year survival drops to just one in five. The main symptoms of stomach cancer include heartburn or acid reflux, physical problems swallowing, nausea, indigestion-like burping a lot-and feeling very full after eating. Anyone with these symptoms for three weeks or more, or who find they suddenly get worse, should contact their GP.
